The status of private equity in Kenya - a comparative study with South Africa

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This paper gives an insight into the Kenyan Private Equity Industry compared to that of South Africa as well as the underlying reasons for the stark differences. It also highlights challenges that the industries, including that of the African Private Equity Industry, are facing given their different markets and economic environments. Additionally, the paper highlights the particular challenges and trends that are unique to Kenya. Further, it discusses the views of industry experts concerning the prospects for growth and the sectors that seem to bear this promise of growth. The discussions around the trends are mainly to highlight certain characteristics about the industry in order to gain a proper perspective of the actual situation on the ground. The evidence provided in this paper, shows that the Kenyan Private Equity Industry, is indeed a growth hub for those seeking high growth potential in emerging and frontier markets. Despite the growth story the numerous challenges will need to be properly addressed and these problems will indeed be areas for further study in order to increase the knowledge base concerning the Kenyan Private Equity Industry.